I have been challenged recently about the impact I can have on the world that surrounds me every day. I have been challenged to view my power in a completely different manner. The last two weeks my church here in Argentina has been talking about the "good samaritan," and how we should help our neighbor. Interesting enough I am in a foreign country, so my concept of neighbor has been stretched and challenged, but more then my concept of neighbor, my concept of power is changing. What kind of power does a twenty-one year old in a foreign country, who hardly speaks the language have?
I have viewed myself in that light for years. How does one small act impact a world that is in pain? The other day I was walking down the street and someone asked me for a Coke. Simple, but I passed him, saying that I don't have any money. A lie, but I did not see the benefit in giving him a Coke. I walked a block, stopped, and prayed. I was unable to continue. Something was holding me back. I asked for the nearest supermarket, and went to buy a coke, obviously to give to the man. I did not say anything to him. Simply gave it and walked away. I have no idea the impact of such a small gift.
What kind of power do we have?
A storm was coming, as I was walking home form the university. I passed by a elderly woman, who probably had eighty or more years. She was walking with a cane and a bag of food or something. I passed and turned back around to ask if she need help. "Mi amor (my love)," she responded with affection, but she declined my offer since she only had a block to walk. Again, I cannot understand what she really thought, or how a small gesture impacted her life.
What kind of power do we have?
This morning I was not in the best of moods, but in the midst of it I received a letter. As I began to read this simple letter about life at home, about how she loves being a Grandma, about what she is learning from God. However, the letter brought me to tears. Feeling that I am loved, that I am not forgotten, and that someone cares enough to send a letter around the world to me was incredibly special.
What kind of power do we have? What kind of power do we have? In the smallest of actions, in the quietest of prayers, in the moments we feel the smallest, what kind of power do we have? God is big, his strength is tremendous, and we have the same power. So what kind of power do we have?
Friday, March 23, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Mountains, Trains, and a Journey to Mendoza
As the week ends I have had plenty of hours to reflect in the back of a pick-up truck. I went to another part of Argentina, which is a little more then twelve hours away. I was accompanied by our trusty Argentina friend, Fernando, Andrew, and Brittney. Mendoza is known for its wine that completes with the best from Italy and the Andes mountains. However my adventure starts even before our trip.
As we planned the trip planes continued to change. Finally we had a plan, which we finalized. The morning of something happened with the pick up truck we had planned to take. I am sure it was not a mechanical issue because the truck is practically brand new. However, we were not able to take the truck tuesday like we planned. It turns out it was a bit of divine planning. Tyler, who originally had planned to go, and would of gone if we had left on Tuesday, came down ill. He had an inflection in his intestines and was bed ridden till Friday. He is better now thankfully, but he was unable to journey with us.
Along this journey we had fun, including a game of Euchre with our Fernando, who at the time was driving. That did not last long, but I also encountered two robbers. About ten o'clock we stopped to use the restroom, and I went in to buy a sandwich, Fernando bought the same sandwich as I did plus a pop and paid 21 pesos, while I somehow had to pay 23 for the same sandwich and a small piece of candy. I am pretty sure the cashier just plain and simple robbed me. Afterwards as we were driving, we encountered check points at the bounder of each province, and as we entered one the officer asked to check our truck, Fernando showed him and was asked if we had fruit. I of course brought fruit to snack on, so Fernando showed him, only to be met with the response "Bon Provecho," which in the simplest form means bon appetite. I never saw my fruit again.
Despite the slow and frustrating start, the trip turned out to be incredible. As we drove through the mountains, which are the highest in the world outside the Himalayans, all I was able to think of is how God created these, and how he is able to move them without effort. It was a magnificent time of reflection and thought. The first day after Fernando and Andrew did not sleep and I only was able to manage a few uncomfortable hours, we did nothing. Rented a hostel, rested, rested some more, slept, and finally went into town to have a nice dinner. The next day we set out for the mountains. We drove past lakes blue as the sky, cold-crystal mountain streams, following a fast paced river into the heart of the mountains. There was an abandoned railroad, which casually strolled along the mountain side over hills and through tunnels. The railroad might of been my favorite part, watching carefully how it travels through a dark tunnel only to emerge again on the other side, seeing the it travel over bridges, and tracing it out into the distance only to see it disappear behind a grand mountain with a sharp curve. Must say it made me long to travel on it, but sadly at times the tracks lay broken and the bridges appeared unsure.
We arrived in the mountains to see two national landmarks: the Bridge of the Incas, which is a natural bridge that over time has been formed from ice and hot springs, and Aconcague, which is the highest peak in the world outside the Himalayas. We had a chance to walk around, take some photos, and spend time in the beautiful weather. It was definitely a place I would love to return to and do some more serious hiking (I lacked proper boots, backpack, and other equipment that would be necessary). Something that I have learned in my time in Argentina is that there is always an adventure. As we returned we stopped to make a dam in a mountain stream and drink its fresh water. As we continued retracing the train and night set in, we passed our road by 40 kilometers. I will let you do the math, but it is not a short distance. We returned home with goods to make pizza, a poncho, and hat (I bought the poncho and hat, because I was close to Chile, and that is what people do in Chile. NO? I thought everyone in Chile wore ponchos... oh well I have one now :) ).
The next day we began a long trip home, which we took slow and steady. We made several stops. One in Mendoza, in San Martin, and along the way. Arriving home I was refreshed and encouraged, however, I was still tired (almost wrote tried. I guess I am tired now too lol). It was a great trip.
Classes have now began and I am settling in well with those. It is great to have Cameron here with us now. I have missed that kid and I am sure he is going to grow tremendously, while he is down here. Well that is all for now.
As we planned the trip planes continued to change. Finally we had a plan, which we finalized. The morning of something happened with the pick up truck we had planned to take. I am sure it was not a mechanical issue because the truck is practically brand new. However, we were not able to take the truck tuesday like we planned. It turns out it was a bit of divine planning. Tyler, who originally had planned to go, and would of gone if we had left on Tuesday, came down ill. He had an inflection in his intestines and was bed ridden till Friday. He is better now thankfully, but he was unable to journey with us.Along this journey we had fun, including a game of Euchre with our Fernando, who at the time was driving. That did not last long, but I also encountered two robbers. About ten o'clock we stopped to use the restroom, and I went in to buy a sandwich, Fernando bought the same sandwich as I did plus a pop and paid 21 pesos, while I somehow had to pay 23 for the same sandwich and a small piece of candy. I am pretty sure the cashier just plain and simple robbed me. Afterwards as we were driving, we encountered check points at the bounder of each province, and as we entered one the officer asked to check our truck, Fernando showed him and was asked if we had fruit. I of course brought fruit to snack on, so Fernando showed him, only to be met with the response "Bon Provecho," which in the simplest form means bon appetite. I never saw my fruit again.
Despite the slow and frustrating start, the trip turned out to be incredible. As we drove through the mountains, which are the highest in the world outside the Himalayans, all I was able to think of is how God created these, and how he is able to move them without effort. It was a magnificent time of reflection and thought. The first day after Fernando and Andrew did not sleep and I only was able to manage a few uncomfortable hours, we did nothing. Rented a hostel, rested, rested some more, slept, and finally went into town to have a nice dinner. The next day we set out for the mountains. We drove past lakes blue as the sky, cold-crystal mountain streams, following a fast paced river into the heart of the mountains. There was an abandoned railroad, which casually strolled along the mountain side over hills and through tunnels. The railroad might of been my favorite part, watching carefully how it travels through a dark tunnel only to emerge again on the other side, seeing the it travel over bridges, and tracing it out into the distance only to see it disappear behind a grand mountain with a sharp curve. Must say it made me long to travel on it, but sadly at times the tracks lay broken and the bridges appeared unsure.
We arrived in the mountains to see two national landmarks: the Bridge of the Incas, which is a natural bridge that over time has been formed from ice and hot springs, and Aconcague, which is the highest peak in the world outside the Himalayas. We had a chance to walk around, take some photos, and spend time in the beautiful weather. It was definitely a place I would love to return to and do some more serious hiking (I lacked proper boots, backpack, and other equipment that would be necessary). Something that I have learned in my time in Argentina is that there is always an adventure. As we returned we stopped to make a dam in a mountain stream and drink its fresh water. As we continued retracing the train and night set in, we passed our road by 40 kilometers. I will let you do the math, but it is not a short distance. We returned home with goods to make pizza, a poncho, and hat (I bought the poncho and hat, because I was close to Chile, and that is what people do in Chile. NO? I thought everyone in Chile wore ponchos... oh well I have one now :) ). The next day we began a long trip home, which we took slow and steady. We made several stops. One in Mendoza, in San Martin, and along the way. Arriving home I was refreshed and encouraged, however, I was still tired (almost wrote tried. I guess I am tired now too lol). It was a great trip.
Classes have now began and I am settling in well with those. It is great to have Cameron here with us now. I have missed that kid and I am sure he is going to grow tremendously, while he is down here. Well that is all for now.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Two Months and Ten Things
1. God does not Change! What a need experience it has been to travel 5000 miles away from my home, but still pray to the same God. Pick up and read scripture in two languages. To look at my family and have conversations about God's sovereignty and how I have no idea, what he wants me to do right now. God did not change, while my language has been forced to change. His truth still remains2. The process of learning and growing. Growing can be one of the most painful things that one will do in there lifetime. It can also be the most rewarding thing. When you consisting pray for a humble heart, patience in learning, and for contentment in all, you realize that as God shapes and molds a holy heart there is pain, confusion, and brokenness. But amongst those emotions also exists joy, peace, and life. I cannot begin to describe all of the changes God is doing. Learning a language is obvious, but the other changes in my heart, in my life, were completely unexpected. I have a feeling that some people will not even recognize me when I return.
3. My family here. There is nothing more terrifying then trying to join a new family. A family that has their own problems, a family that already knows each others likes, dislikes, and how to relate and interact. I had no idea how this process would go, but I have been blessed by this family. They may not have a ton in material possessions, but they care. They selflessly give. They love me for me, despite all my flaws and terrible manners.
4. That grace students are here. Right now there are two brothers and one sister here, that I could not live without. I am incredibly grateful that there are others down here fighting this battle with me. They have similar struggles, pains, and fears, and they continually teach me, guide me, and encourage me to press on when I am down or when I have great days. I look forward to adding another brother. Señor Cameron Johns to our group. I know that he too will bless me and I hope that likewise I have blessed them through this experience. I could not do this without them. 5. That I still have more time here. I have been here two months, which have flown by, especially this last month. I have just begun the things that I want to do, not even to mention the things that I want to learn. I have grown tremendously despite feeling that I have just begun. I have four more months here, and within that time I want to grow tremendously more spiritual, personally, and with the language. Thankful that the trip is not yet over.
6. Dreams and memories. Interesting enough the more time I am here, the more I look back. I have thought about past relationships, I have thought about my failures, and my greatest accomplishments, I have thought about dreams I have made with people. Sometimes the simplest dream of teaching someone to drive, or complicated dreams of returning to a National tournament. I have reflected on my life and at times I have been ashamed, but at time I have been greatly encouraged. I am not perfect, and I will let everyone down that I have any kind of relationship with, but I tai heart in the story of David, the shepherd boy turned king. I am grateful for good memories and left longing by ones.
6. The internet. The internet allows me to stay connected to my family back home. I call my mom frequently and love seeing her, as well as my father. They are incredible individuals who encourage me and whom I love dearly. It has also allowed me to watch movies such as the Pride and Prejudice, Dead Poet's Society, Coach Carter, and Mission Impossible. I am also able to remain in contact with my team, and friends who I miss, as well as creep on their facebooks and blogs. With the internet you are never alone.
7. Fútbol!!! What a game? It brings out the competitive side in me. It also brings out the teacher in me. It is a game that extends across language and cultural barriers. One night while playing, I was being instructed to do something, but I didn't understand a word, which was being said, but I knew exactly what he wanted. For me that is a cool moment, but this is a game that I love. A game I want to share with people, whether that is playing with them, talking with them, or teaching them. And going to Argentina soccer games is also spectacular also8. La Iglesia. The church here is unbelievable. I have never been to a church that is so open, accepting, and intimately involved in one another's lives. The environment is wonder to come, learn, grow, and love. All of the people are gracious, willing to help and serve, and wanting to talk to the "grigos" despite the fact we don't know what they are saying. Well now we can manage conversations, but we began that way. This is a place I feel at home and look forward to attending every week.
9. Ice Cream!!! Everyone knows that I am an ice cream-holic, and anyone that has been to Argentina can testify that the ice cream is probably far better then anything in the States. I tried a mixed berry ice cream last night, which was to die for. I could just at ice cream all night and been content. Definitely thankful for good ice cream.10. Honestly I am unable to think of a number ten, so in honor of my friends here I will make a cry out for. ANNNNNGIIIIIIIIIIIIIIE!!!!! It is best that I leave it at that.
It is obvious there are things that did not make it on my list. There are things I wish I could elaborate more upon, but for the sake of time and space, here is my list of the ten things I am most thankful for in Argentina. Chau...
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Russian Mountains
So when you are in a different culture, away from family and friends, and are attempting something as daunting as learning a language, there are bound to be ups and downs. It does not help that generally I am an emotional person, but it has been interesting. Right now I seemed to have plateaued my growth. I am reached a wall, yet again. It is kind of frustrating, but I know it is only a dot.
If I can compare it to a graph, it as if you were moving to the right on a Cartesian plan with a positive x cubed line. It can be compared to a roller coaster, or russian mountain in Spanish (I still don't understand, why they call them russian mountains, but it is true!). However, I was gently reminded the other day that all things are possible with the help of Christ, even at times when the task overshadows the success. I was also reminded by a friend about comparing myself to others. I was reminded that comparisons are lies. Lies that I am not good enough, that I am a failure, that I will never learn this language. But all of these things are lies. I am good enough, I am not a failure, and I am able to learn this language. I am a child of God and none of these things hold merit in my life. It has been a good time of growth and continuing to learn of who I am in Christ.
This weekend was a long weekend, but it was also chill weekend. We cooked a "traditional" breakfast for my family. Pancakes and eggs. But it was definitely not traditional with Andrew and Brittney (the health nuts of the group). I went to Tigre, a small town that the city has began to overtake. We walked around, chilled, and had a relaxing day. Sunday went to church then after went out to PARTY (okay not really. We had a great asado, which is grilled food, and ice, and talked a ton), which I returned at five in the morning. Then Monday since I didn't have class, I went to a park to knock the soccer ball around, play frisbee, and afterwards had pizza. It was a pretty chill and relaxing weekend, despite battles with lies.
However, now I am refocused, encouraged, and ready to battle again. The one good thing about a russian mountain is you don't stay at the bottom long. You begin to climb, you are able to look around and enjoy the view, or enjoy a good friend's company. You climb higher and higher, feeling as if you can touch the sky. Then as your crown and peak over the edge, a rush runs through your body as you prepare for the thrill. Plunging into the next challenge with excitement and a never resting fear whispering in the back of your mind, but what is the focus? That little whisper can grow into a shriek as the problems seem to grow as the ever approaching ground below comes nearer. Will there be a crash? Will the car roll off the track as we approach this turn? That whisper grows ever louder until the only sound that can be heard is the shrills and cries for help. However, there is another reaction. A reaction of faith. When the car crowns the hill and plunges fast and hard down the track there is a sense of comfort. That in the middle of what may seem chaotic, loco, or even terrifying, there is an plan at work, and a had that is ever guiding. Shrills and shrieks do not sound from the mouth, but instead a strong yell of joy and hands rise above the head, as adoration and trust are affirmed. Then as you reach the bottom and begin to ascend once more you marvel at what has happened. At the joy you received from that small act of faith, and reassurance rushes over you. Once again you crown and throw your hands even higher as you fall out of your seat only to be sat gently back down.
I began this writing about the ups and downs of life. About how depression, happiness, sadness, and other emotions come and go. However, some how in the course of writing this I have found more joy, peace, and comfort. Beginning with a tone of discontentment and only wanting to complain, but now I have ended with something that is profound for me. The Russian Mountain of Life does not have to have be a boring, useless exercise, that merely comes and goes. That line that exists, when I am strapped in on a roller coast, between thrill and terror, and fear and faith, exists in life as well. Every day brings new challenges, which should terrify us, but also excite us. Every day we don't have control, which should give us fear, but at the very same time a overwhelming faith and peace should exist also. The track does not alter underneath our moving car. The car has a plan, a destination, and its course has been carefully mapped out. Every detail thought through and every doubt erased. The car never stops, never stops progressing towards the destination, and never leaves the track. There may be a sharp turn, a dark tunnel, a splash of unexpected water, but the car has a course. I have a course. ¡Encouraging! ¿NO?
Next time you are in a place that you don't understand, are not sure of, or frankly are just depressed about, remember the Russian Mountain. Ride the line between thrill and terror, between faith and fear.
If I can compare it to a graph, it as if you were moving to the right on a Cartesian plan with a positive x cubed line. It can be compared to a roller coaster, or russian mountain in Spanish (I still don't understand, why they call them russian mountains, but it is true!). However, I was gently reminded the other day that all things are possible with the help of Christ, even at times when the task overshadows the success. I was also reminded by a friend about comparing myself to others. I was reminded that comparisons are lies. Lies that I am not good enough, that I am a failure, that I will never learn this language. But all of these things are lies. I am good enough, I am not a failure, and I am able to learn this language. I am a child of God and none of these things hold merit in my life. It has been a good time of growth and continuing to learn of who I am in Christ.
This weekend was a long weekend, but it was also chill weekend. We cooked a "traditional" breakfast for my family. Pancakes and eggs. But it was definitely not traditional with Andrew and Brittney (the health nuts of the group). I went to Tigre, a small town that the city has began to overtake. We walked around, chilled, and had a relaxing day. Sunday went to church then after went out to PARTY (okay not really. We had a great asado, which is grilled food, and ice, and talked a ton), which I returned at five in the morning. Then Monday since I didn't have class, I went to a park to knock the soccer ball around, play frisbee, and afterwards had pizza. It was a pretty chill and relaxing weekend, despite battles with lies.
However, now I am refocused, encouraged, and ready to battle again. The one good thing about a russian mountain is you don't stay at the bottom long. You begin to climb, you are able to look around and enjoy the view, or enjoy a good friend's company. You climb higher and higher, feeling as if you can touch the sky. Then as your crown and peak over the edge, a rush runs through your body as you prepare for the thrill. Plunging into the next challenge with excitement and a never resting fear whispering in the back of your mind, but what is the focus? That little whisper can grow into a shriek as the problems seem to grow as the ever approaching ground below comes nearer. Will there be a crash? Will the car roll off the track as we approach this turn? That whisper grows ever louder until the only sound that can be heard is the shrills and cries for help. However, there is another reaction. A reaction of faith. When the car crowns the hill and plunges fast and hard down the track there is a sense of comfort. That in the middle of what may seem chaotic, loco, or even terrifying, there is an plan at work, and a had that is ever guiding. Shrills and shrieks do not sound from the mouth, but instead a strong yell of joy and hands rise above the head, as adoration and trust are affirmed. Then as you reach the bottom and begin to ascend once more you marvel at what has happened. At the joy you received from that small act of faith, and reassurance rushes over you. Once again you crown and throw your hands even higher as you fall out of your seat only to be sat gently back down.
I began this writing about the ups and downs of life. About how depression, happiness, sadness, and other emotions come and go. However, some how in the course of writing this I have found more joy, peace, and comfort. Beginning with a tone of discontentment and only wanting to complain, but now I have ended with something that is profound for me. The Russian Mountain of Life does not have to have be a boring, useless exercise, that merely comes and goes. That line that exists, when I am strapped in on a roller coast, between thrill and terror, and fear and faith, exists in life as well. Every day brings new challenges, which should terrify us, but also excite us. Every day we don't have control, which should give us fear, but at the very same time a overwhelming faith and peace should exist also. The track does not alter underneath our moving car. The car has a plan, a destination, and its course has been carefully mapped out. Every detail thought through and every doubt erased. The car never stops, never stops progressing towards the destination, and never leaves the track. There may be a sharp turn, a dark tunnel, a splash of unexpected water, but the car has a course. I have a course. ¡Encouraging! ¿NO?
Next time you are in a place that you don't understand, are not sure of, or frankly are just depressed about, remember the Russian Mountain. Ride the line between thrill and terror, between faith and fear.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Holidays, Fun, and RIVER
It has been eleven days since I have written anything about my trip. They have been an interesting eleven days. They have included bike rides, soccer games, mate by the river, excursions to Boca, long days in a boring classroom, unsent letters, and grave train accidents. It partly has been a long time since I have had the last two days off of school for Carnaval, which added to the excited. The eleven days did not occur exactly in that order, but everything and probably more was packed in.
Class was pretty boring last week. Nothing exciting happened, and I am kind of bored with simply taking Spanish classes. It does not help that I had class for six long hours a day. The week was pretty slow; I did not do much after the long days beside study and play games with Yoly. However, the weekend brought a flurry of exciting events. River game, late night with the grupo de vida, church, late night with Yoly, Riqui, and friend, visited Boca (both the neighborhood and stadium), went to the river to chill, watched a movie with some friends, went for a day of relaxation and bike riding, including a game of ultimate frisbee, and lunch in the park, ate dinner with my friends, returned home to study and sleep, and woke up late this morning to an terrible train wreck and an exam. I would say that my weekend and holiday was nothing but boring.
Valentine's Day happened during that course of time. In Argentina they don't really do much for it. Some people go out, but mostly it is a normal day. I happened to go to the movies with the other Grace students and two Argentinas. We saw Hugo. It was a good movie. Thought a lot about relationships and expressions of affection, but I didn't end up doing anything. However, I do have several unsent letters on my desk after that day. It was a good time of reflection of those that are in my life that I care about, family and close friends. I am blessed and sincerely looked by many!!!
However despite all the time with friends down here, despite that today I am tired and in pain when I sit down from riding a bike all day in beautiful weather, despite that I saw a great movie, and despite the fact I am now the reigning victor in all games in the house of the Dans, and despite all the late nights, nothing can compare to the soccer game. Probably its the highlight might of my eleven days and possibly of the trip thus far.
As we entered the stadium there was not a ton of people. There were groups of people huddled together talking, while the vendors mingled through the crowd shooting the standard, "Cocoa... Coka Cola!" We found some seats, then changed seats, because I guess they were not good enough, or for some unknown reason. As we settled into our new seats we began to look around. Casually we snapped pictures and talked as the stadium began to fill around us. The field was crisp and sharp. A wire change wrapped itself around the bright green grass. Inside the sense stood officers attentive and ready to act. Fanatics began to climb the wire fence that was topped with barbed wire to hang banners. The volume in the stadium began to rise as the visiting crowd began to chant. First only piercing whistles could be heard, then the roar of the chanting River faithful began to rise, "Soy de River, SOY DE RIVER. You could hardly hear the person next to you, and this is before the game was under way.
As the players took the pitch the volume increased, which I did not know was possible. The game was underway, everyone was upon their feet, and the volume did not cease. I have no idea what was said when there was an ejection with in the first ten minutes, but I am sure the entire stadium was swearing at the official. Now River was down a man, but was still able to score a goal, and the crowd went wild. I could of swore the ground shook beneath me. Throughout the game there were two more goals for River and a similar experience occurred. My friend, who is a River fanatic sat behind me and would occasionally pull my hair if I was not chanting or pumping my fist in unison. River won the day three to zero against Estudiantes Riveria del Mendoza.
I do not know of an experience in my life that is similar. When you look to your left and right and see ten's of thousands of hands pumping in unison and hear an echo roll though the stadium. There is nothing that I have seen that is similar. Quite a thrilling experience.
Class was pretty boring last week. Nothing exciting happened, and I am kind of bored with simply taking Spanish classes. It does not help that I had class for six long hours a day. The week was pretty slow; I did not do much after the long days beside study and play games with Yoly. However, the weekend brought a flurry of exciting events. River game, late night with the grupo de vida, church, late night with Yoly, Riqui, and friend, visited Boca (both the neighborhood and stadium), went to the river to chill, watched a movie with some friends, went for a day of relaxation and bike riding, including a game of ultimate frisbee, and lunch in the park, ate dinner with my friends, returned home to study and sleep, and woke up late this morning to an terrible train wreck and an exam. I would say that my weekend and holiday was nothing but boring. Valentine's Day happened during that course of time. In Argentina they don't really do much for it. Some people go out, but mostly it is a normal day. I happened to go to the movies with the other Grace students and two Argentinas. We saw Hugo. It was a good movie. Thought a lot about relationships and expressions of affection, but I didn't end up doing anything. However, I do have several unsent letters on my desk after that day. It was a good time of reflection of those that are in my life that I care about, family and close friends. I am blessed and sincerely looked by many!!!
However despite all the time with friends down here, despite that today I am tired and in pain when I sit down from riding a bike all day in beautiful weather, despite that I saw a great movie, and despite the fact I am now the reigning victor in all games in the house of the Dans, and despite all the late nights, nothing can compare to the soccer game. Probably its the highlight might of my eleven days and possibly of the trip thus far.
As the players took the pitch the volume increased, which I did not know was possible. The game was underway, everyone was upon their feet, and the volume did not cease. I have no idea what was said when there was an ejection with in the first ten minutes, but I am sure the entire stadium was swearing at the official. Now River was down a man, but was still able to score a goal, and the crowd went wild. I could of swore the ground shook beneath me. Throughout the game there were two more goals for River and a similar experience occurred. My friend, who is a River fanatic sat behind me and would occasionally pull my hair if I was not chanting or pumping my fist in unison. River won the day three to zero against Estudiantes Riveria del Mendoza. I do not know of an experience in my life that is similar. When you look to your left and right and see ten's of thousands of hands pumping in unison and hear an echo roll though the stadium. There is nothing that I have seen that is similar. Quite a thrilling experience.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Humility in Laughter
If you know we well sometimes it is practically impossible to follow my train of thought. Well imagine me talking about something off the wall or random in another language. Yep. Sometimes the students down here have to deal with it, but it usually makes for a funny story after the fact.
For example we went to the police station to get a back ground check the other day (it is one of the steps to get a student visa). While we were there I was trying to compare Brittney Smith to Tom Abbitt. Some of you know how Tom says, that he cries at supermarket openings, when for some reason, which I can't even remember now I tried to describe that to the other students in Spanish. Epic fail! Then at the police station some random lady tried to begin helping me, after about five minutes she understood, but the other students didn't. Interesting... I will just say I like the Argentine people better then the North Americans at times haha.
I am also a very literal person at times. The first time I took the Subway I ended up buying for tickets. In the Subway there are these gates that you place your transit card on which has money on it (similar to a debit card) on a a sensor, but each time I did it I saw a red light. In my literal mind I thought there was a error, but in reality there was not an error, but I preceded to do it four times. Well it is safe to say that I wasted some money that day.
I have also put a soccer ball in the river which I had to retrieve. Called a women dirty and said she had a wife. Okay that needs to be explained lol. The word for dirty is "sucio" in Spanish, and her name is Suzi. Well I added an "o" by accident, then the difference between husband and wife is one letter. "Esposo" for husband and "esposa" for wife. Well of course I switched that around too. She was gracious enough to laugh about it, but I definitely looked like a fool. Along with that the first week I was here I mixed up the words for trip and old (viaje, viejo). That kept people quite confused for the first couples days. Until I realized my error.
I am sure I have done other things that are strange, make me look like a fool, or frankly that are just weird, but people have been gracious enough to not mention them to me. It has been an interesting and humbling experience learning a language. I have been seen and felt like a child at times, because I can only communicate like a child. While I miss driving my car (I know it is a silly thing to miss), I am seen as incapable of driving in the crazy argentine environment. It is crazy, but I believe I could do it. However, I would not change any of the experiences I have had. I would not want to look less like a fool, or say less stupid things. It has been a blessing to be humbled, follow others, and learn. Stay tuned for more stupid things from Trenton haha.
For example we went to the police station to get a back ground check the other day (it is one of the steps to get a student visa). While we were there I was trying to compare Brittney Smith to Tom Abbitt. Some of you know how Tom says, that he cries at supermarket openings, when for some reason, which I can't even remember now I tried to describe that to the other students in Spanish. Epic fail! Then at the police station some random lady tried to begin helping me, after about five minutes she understood, but the other students didn't. Interesting... I will just say I like the Argentine people better then the North Americans at times haha.
I am also a very literal person at times. The first time I took the Subway I ended up buying for tickets. In the Subway there are these gates that you place your transit card on which has money on it (similar to a debit card) on a a sensor, but each time I did it I saw a red light. In my literal mind I thought there was a error, but in reality there was not an error, but I preceded to do it four times. Well it is safe to say that I wasted some money that day.
I have also put a soccer ball in the river which I had to retrieve. Called a women dirty and said she had a wife. Okay that needs to be explained lol. The word for dirty is "sucio" in Spanish, and her name is Suzi. Well I added an "o" by accident, then the difference between husband and wife is one letter. "Esposo" for husband and "esposa" for wife. Well of course I switched that around too. She was gracious enough to laugh about it, but I definitely looked like a fool. Along with that the first week I was here I mixed up the words for trip and old (viaje, viejo). That kept people quite confused for the first couples days. Until I realized my error.
I am sure I have done other things that are strange, make me look like a fool, or frankly that are just weird, but people have been gracious enough to not mention them to me. It has been an interesting and humbling experience learning a language. I have been seen and felt like a child at times, because I can only communicate like a child. While I miss driving my car (I know it is a silly thing to miss), I am seen as incapable of driving in the crazy argentine environment. It is crazy, but I believe I could do it. However, I would not change any of the experiences I have had. I would not want to look less like a fool, or say less stupid things. It has been a blessing to be humbled, follow others, and learn. Stay tuned for more stupid things from Trenton haha.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Feeling Like Life is Normal
Life is beginning to feel more normal here. Routines are set. The days seems to have a regular flow. The life here seems to have lost some of the initial "wow" or pazas... (I don't know if that is what I meant to say, but I am going to leave it in). I have school, soccer, and explore the city some during the week, and then during the weekend it is PARTY. Well if you consider partying hanging out with people from the church till three in the morning. Usually on the weeks all I do is chill with them. Play the guitar, knock the ball around, or simply just talk. It has been great getting to know these guys. They are some of the best guys.
The yesterday I skipped class to travel to Word of Life, Argentina. They have a beautiful campus there with beach volleyball, basketball, and soccer facilities, and even a pool. I went with Brittney's family (Merino's). We had a picked, played sports, and met people both from the United States and Argentina. It was a great day. However, the cherry was the message about witnessing and sharing our faith every day and demonstrating Christ's love. As you can tell I understand the theme or general idea. I still am not able to understand every word or sentence, but I am getting better.
I feel confident to try and hold a conversation about something. Stories, events, and other concrete things are pretty easy to discuss. It gets harder when I try to explain beliefs, feelings, and thoughts. However, I see growth and I believe those around me see the growth to. The best is when someone recognizes I am not from here, asks me where I am from (which makes it even better because they don't assume or believe I am from the United States), and then precede to compliment me on my language. It only happens now and then, but it makes me feel pretty good when it does.
The yesterday I skipped class to travel to Word of Life, Argentina. They have a beautiful campus there with beach volleyball, basketball, and soccer facilities, and even a pool. I went with Brittney's family (Merino's). We had a picked, played sports, and met people both from the United States and Argentina. It was a great day. However, the cherry was the message about witnessing and sharing our faith every day and demonstrating Christ's love. As you can tell I understand the theme or general idea. I still am not able to understand every word or sentence, but I am getting better.
I feel confident to try and hold a conversation about something. Stories, events, and other concrete things are pretty easy to discuss. It gets harder when I try to explain beliefs, feelings, and thoughts. However, I see growth and I believe those around me see the growth to. The best is when someone recognizes I am not from here, asks me where I am from (which makes it even better because they don't assume or believe I am from the United States), and then precede to compliment me on my language. It only happens now and then, but it makes me feel pretty good when it does.
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